AL RAYYAN’S HOPES

Laudrup’s side crash out after Doha thriller

DOHA

Iran’s Persepolis made the last 16 as the second placed side in the group with nine points after defeating the UAE’s Al Wahda 42 thanks to a hat-trick by international Mehedi Taremi.

Taremi struck in the 20th, 54th and 70th minutes to add to Souroush Rafiei’s 17th minute goal, while Al Wahda, who had only the slimmest of chances to qualify, could only score two with Ahmed al-Akberi and Sebastian Tagliabue on target.

With only Al Hlial’s spot in the knockouts secure in Group D, both Al Rayyan and Persepolis needed victories to ensure their progress but it was the Iranians who proved lucky on a day which saw 13 goals scored in the two Group D matches.

Al Hilal, who had also won their previous clash with Al Rayyan, went ahead in the 40th minute